US8215630B2 - Device preventing punching and stapling at same location - Google Patents

Device preventing punching and stapling at same location Download PDF

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Publication number
US8215630B2
US8215630B2 US12/781,984 US78198410A US8215630B2 US 8215630 B2 US8215630 B2 US 8215630B2 US 78198410 A US78198410 A US 78198410A US 8215630 B2 US8215630 B2 US 8215630B2
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Prior art keywords
stapling
post
binding
recording paper
processing apparatus
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US12/781,984
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US20100308525A1 (en
Inventor
Shuhji Fujii
Takashi Nakagawa
Nobuyuki Ueda
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Sharp Corp
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Sharp Corp
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Assigned to SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA reassignment SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NAKAGAWA, TAKASHI, FUJII, SHUHJI, UEDA, NOBUYUKI
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H37/00—Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating devices for performing specified auxiliary operations
    • B65H37/04—Article or web delivery apparatus incorporating devices for performing specified auxiliary operations for securing together articles or webs, e.g. by adhesive, stitching or stapling
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/65—Apparatus which relate to the handling of copy material
    • G03G15/6582—Special processing for irreversibly adding or changing the sheet copy material characteristics or its appearance, e.g. stamping, annotation printing, punching
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2301/00—Handling processes for sheets or webs
    • B65H2301/10—Selective handling processes
    • B65H2301/16—Selective handling processes of discharge in bins, stacking, collating or gathering
    • B65H2301/1635—Selective handling processes of discharge in bins, stacking, collating or gathering selective stapling modes, e.g. corner or edge or central
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2408/00—Specific machines
    • B65H2408/10—Specific machines for handling sheet(s)
    • B65H2408/12—Specific machines for handling sheet(s) stapler arrangement
    • B65H2408/122—Specific machines for handling sheet(s) stapler arrangement movable stapler
    • B65H2408/1222—Specific machines for handling sheet(s) stapler arrangement movable stapler movable transversely to direction of transport
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H2801/00—Application field
    • B65H2801/24—Post -processing devices
    • B65H2801/27—Devices located downstream of office-type machines
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00789—Adding properties or qualities to the copy medium
    • G03G2215/00818—Punch device
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00789—Adding properties or qualities to the copy medium
    • G03G2215/00822—Binder, e.g. glueing device
    • G03G2215/00827—Stapler

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an image forming apparatus forming an image on a sheet of recording paper and, more specifically, to a technique of avoiding wasteful stapling in an image forming apparatus having a post-processing apparatus (finisher) performing hole punching process (forming punched holes) and staple binding process.
  • finisher performing hole punching process (forming punched holes) and staple binding process.
  • a post-processing apparatus capable of automatically performing staple binding (hereinafter also referred to as stapling or stapling process) and hole punching (hereinafter also referred to as punching or punching process) after image formation on recording paper by, for example, electro-photography is sometimes attached to an image forming apparatus.
  • stapling or stapling process a post-processing apparatus capable of automatically performing staple binding (hereinafter also referred to as stapling or stapling process) and hole punching (hereinafter also referred to as punching or punching process) after image formation on recording paper by, for example, electro-photography is sometimes attached to an image forming apparatus.
  • staple binding hereinafter also referred to as stapling or stapling process
  • hole punching hole punching or punching process
  • each set is stapled at a preset same position or positions.
  • the staples are at the same position.
  • part of the recording paper stacked set by set rises high. Consequently, the number of stacks that can be placed on the tray becomes smaller and work efficiency lowers, or a staple on a set of recording paper that is being discharged may be caught by a staple of the last discharged set of recording paper, causing discharge failure or irregular stacking.
  • a mechanism (apparatus) performing the stapling process will be referred to as a stapler.
  • Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 4-37592 discloses a finisher as a solution to such a problem.
  • successively fed sheets of recording paper are aligned and stopped, and stapled at one or a plurality of positions using one or a plurality of staplers.
  • the finisher includes: a stapler moving mechanism for moving the stapler along the lengthwise direction of a staple binding the sheet of recording paper; a staple position change control mechanism for moving the stapler by a prescribed distance for every set of recording paper to be stapled by using the stapler moving mechanism so that the present staple position is made different from the previous staple position; a recording paper feeding mechanism discharging the sheets of recording paper staple-bound at different positions by the staple position change control mechanism to a discharge tray; and a paper amount setting mechanism lowering top surface of the discharge tray in accordance with the amount of recording paper fed by the recording paper feeding mechanism, so that the top surface of discharge tray is always kept at a constant position.
  • the finisher binds sets of recording paper with stapler position shifted set by set.
  • a plurality of sets can be stacked successively with binding positions not overlapped with each other. This realizes better stacking performance of recording paper, and as compared with the prior art, discharging efficiency can be improved.
  • Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2006-154416 discloses a controller for an image forming apparatus solving such a problem.
  • the controller controls an image forming apparatus that forms an image on an image recording sheet in accordance with settings.
  • the controller includes: a setting input mechanism allowing an operator to input setting related to image formation in the image forming apparatus; and a setting changing mechanism for changing, in a manner linked with a change of setting of a first setting item by the setting input mechanism, setting of a second setting item different from the first setting.
  • the changed setting of the second setting item as well as the changed setting of the first setting item are applicable to image formation in the image forming apparatus.
  • the setting of the first setting item is changed, the setting of the second setting item is changed appropriately by the controller and, therefore, setting can easily be changed.
  • a bundle of recording paper (a set of recording paper) is bound by staples at two positions and then punched holed are formed.
  • punching it follows that the bundle of recording paper on which images are formed is filed, for example, in a 2-hole or 4-hole file-binder. Therefore, the simultaneously set stapling may not be permanently necessary. In other words, stapling may be just a temporary or a makeshift means to prevent the bundle of recording paper from going apart before filing.
  • the sheets are staple-bound at two positions and thereafter punched. It may be the case that for only a temporary or makeshift binding, stapling is done at two positions, or wasteful stapling takes place. As a result, staples are wasted and the power is wasted by the stapler. Further, stapling at two positions may limit the range of position shifting when the stapling is done with staple positions made different as disclosed in '592 Reference.
  • an image forming apparatus having a post-processing apparatus for stapling and punching that reduces wasteful stapling and thereby effectively uses resources and saves energy.
  • the present invention provides an image forming apparatus, used with a post-processing apparatus performing a punching process and a stapling process allowing setting of position and number of staples.
  • the image forming apparatus includes: a detecting device detecting a request in the post-processing unit based on request information input from a user; and a control device connected to receive an output of the detecting device and to be able to control the post-processing apparatus, controlling the post-processing apparatus such that if the detecting device detects requests for the punching process and the stapling process on the same recording paper, manner of staple-binding of the recording paper is set to tentative binding.
  • the manner of tentative binding is stapling at one position.
  • the process for stapling a bundle of recording paper is set to a tentative mode in which the bundle is stapled at one position as temporary or makeshift binding, rather than firm, two-point stapling.
  • punching and stapling are set, it follows that stapling is only a temporary or makeshift binding to prevent the bundle of paper on which images are formed from going apart before filing. Therefore, the bundle is stapled only at one point in the tentative manner. As a result, wasteful stapling can be reduced, realizing effective use of resources and energy saving.
  • control device controls the post-processing apparatus such that if a request for the stapling process using a plurality of staples is detected and thereafter a request for the punching process is detected, manner of binding using a plurality of staples is changed to a manner of binding using one staple.
  • control device may inhibit the stapling process using a plurality of staples by the post-processing apparatus.
  • the image forming apparatus further includes a staple position moving mechanism, connected to the detecting device, controlling the post-processing apparatus such that if image is formed on two or more sets of copies, position of stapling is changed set by set.
  • the image forming apparatus may further include the post-processing apparatus connected to the control device.
  • the present invention provides, in an image forming apparatus, used with a post-processing apparatus performing a punching process and a stapling process allowing setting of position and number of staples, a method of controlling the post-processing apparatus.
  • the method includes the steps of: detecting a request for a process in the post-processing apparatus, based on request information input by a user; and controlling the post-processing apparatus such that if the detecting device detects requests for the punching process and the stapling process on the same recording paper, manner of staple-binding of the recording paper is set to tentative binding.
  • the present invention provides, in a computer-controlled image forming apparatus used with a post-processing apparatus performing a punching process and a stapling process allowing setting of position and number of staples, a program product for controlling the post-processing apparatus.
  • the program product includes a computer readable recording medium.
  • the recording medium has recorded thereon a computer program causing, when executed by a computer, said computer to execute a method including the steps of; detecting a request for a process in the post-processing apparatus, based on request information input by a user; and controlling the post-processing apparatus such that if the detecting device detects requests for the punching process and the stapling process on the same recording paper, manner of staple-binding of the recording paper is set to tentative binding.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of the image forming apparatus in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 4 is a top view of a sheet of recording paper stapled by the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIGS. 5 to 8 show operations of the stapler in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a post-processing setting program executed in the image forming apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 shows an exemplary image displayed on a display panel of the image forming apparatus in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a post-processing setting program executed in the image forming apparatus in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a post-processing setting program executed in the image forming apparatus in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 includes cross-sectional views of the recording paper stapled by the image forming apparatuses in accordance with modifications of the embodiment of the present invention.
  • the image forming apparatus (multifunction peripheral) in accordance with an embodiment will be described.
  • the image forming apparatus has, as described above, a configuration allowing stapling and punching processes.
  • an image forming apparatus 150 includes a document reading unit 152 , an image forming unit 154 , a paper feed unit 156 , and a post-processing unit 400 .
  • mainly document reading unit (also referred to as a scanner unit) 152 and image forming unit 154 operate to realize the copy function.
  • image forming apparatus 150 a document placed on a platen is read by document reading unit 152 as image data, the read image data is input to CPU 300 implemented, for example, by a microcomputer shown in FIG. 4 , the image data is subjected to various image processing operations here, and the resulting image data is output to image forming unit 154 .
  • Image forming unit 154 is for printing an image of the document represented by the image data on a recording medium (in most cases, on a sheet of recording paper), and it includes, by way of example, a photoreceptor drum 222 , a charger 224 , a laser scanning unit (hereinafter also denoted as LSU) 226 , a developer 228 , a transfer device 230 , a cleaning device 232 , a fixing device 234 and a neutralizer, not shown.
  • LSU laser scanning unit
  • a main feeding path 236 and a reverse feeding path 238 are provided, and a sheet of recording paper fed from paper feed unit 156 is fed along main feeding path 236 .
  • Paper feed unit 156 draws out sheets of recording paper stacked on a paper feed cassette 240 or on a manual feed tray 242 one by one, and feeds the sheet of paper to main feeding path 236 of image forming unit 154 .
  • the sheet of recording paper While the sheet of recording paper is fed along main feeding path 236 of image forming unit 154 , the sheet passes between photoreceptor drum 222 and transfer device 230 , and further passes through fixing device 234 , whereby printing is done on the sheet of recording paper.
  • Photoreceptor drum 222 rotates in one direction, and its surface is cleaned by cleaning device 232 and the neutralizer and, thereafter, uniformly charged by charger 224 .
  • LSU 226 modulates the laser beam based on the image data to be printed, and repeatedly scans the surface of photoreceptor drum 222 with the laser beam in a main scanning direction, whereby an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of photoreceptor drum 222 .
  • Developer 228 develops the electrostatic latent image by supplying toner to the surface of photoreceptor drum 222 , and thus, a toner image is formed on the surface of photoreceptor drum 222 .
  • Transfer device 230 transfers the toner image on the surface of photoreceptor drum 222 to the sheet of recording paper passing between transfer device 230 and the photoreceptor drum 222 .
  • Fixing device 234 includes a heating roller 248 for heating the sheet of recording paper and a pressure roller 250 for pressing the sheet of recording paper. As the sheet of recording paper is heated by heating roller 248 and pressed by pressure roller 250 , the toner image that has been transferred to the sheet of recording paper is fixed on the sheet. A heater is heated by electric power supplied to fixing device 234 and controlled such that temperature of heating roller 248 attains to an appropriate temperature for fixing.
  • a separation pawl 244 is arranged at a position of connection between main feeding path and reverse feeding path 238 .
  • separation pawl 244 is so positioned that the sheet of recording paper fed from fixing device 234 is guided to paper discharge tray 246 or through post-processing unit 400 to discharge tray 168 .
  • separation pawl 244 When printing is done on both sides of the sheet of recording paper, separation pawl 244 is turned to a prescribed direction, so that the sheet of recording paper is guided to reverse feeding path 238 .
  • the sheet of recording paper passes through reverse feeding path 238 , turned upside-down and again fed to main feeding path 236 , and while it is again fed along main feeding path, printing is done on its rear surface, and thereafter the sheet is guided to paper discharge tray 246 or to paper discharge tray 168 .
  • the sheet of recording paper printed in the above-described manner is guided to paper discharge tray 246 or through post-processing unit 400 to paper discharge tray 168 .
  • post-processing unit 400 the punching process of punching holes in the recording paper on which images are formed and stapling process of staple-binding bundle of recording paper using a stapler are performed.
  • each sheet of recording paper is punched, or a bundle of recording paper is stapled, whereby a finished printout is formed.
  • post-processing unit 400 includes a punching unit 402 for punching a hole on a rear-end side along the feeding direction of each sheet of recording paper, and a stapling unit 408 with a stapler 404 and a staple tray 406 .
  • the recording paper fed to post-processing unit 400 has a prescribed number of holes punched at prescribed positions by punching unit 402 as needed, and the recording paper fed to post-processing unit 400 is bound as a bundle of recording paper by a prescribed number of staples at prescribed positions, by stapling unit 408 .
  • Punching unit 402 includes a punching shaft driven to rotate in accordance with an instruction from CPU 300 , a punch coupled to punching shaft with an eccentric cum interposed, and dies on which inner wall the punch slides.
  • the dies are arranged opposite to each other facing the front and rear sides of the recording paper, respectively. Specifically, the dies are arranged such that when the sheet of recording paper is fed to the punching unit 402 , the recording paper is pinched between opposing two dies.
  • the punching unit 402 is structured such that when the punching shaft 90 is rotated by 90 degrees in this state, by the action of eccentric cam, the punch moves along the inner walls of front side and rear side dies to punch a hole in the recording paper. Further, punching unit 402 is structured such that when the punching shaft is further rotated by 90 degrees, the punch returns to the original position. With such a structure, punching unit 402 punches a hole in a first sheet of recording paper by rotating the punching shaft by 180 degrees in one direction, and punches a hole in a second sheet of recording paper by rotating the punching shaft by 180 degrees in the opposite direction.
  • the structure of punching unit 402 is not limited to the above. Any structure that can punch a hole in a sheet or a bundle of recording paper may be used.
  • the number of punched holes may be any number not smaller than two. It is common to punch two to four holes.
  • the recording paper fed to stapling unit 408 is placed on staple tray 406 and if the unit number of sheets of recording paper to be bound is stacked on staple tray 406 , the bundle of recording paper is bound by a prescribed number of staples at a prescribed position or positions, and then the bundle is discharged to discharge tray 168 .
  • the position of stapling carried out by stapler 404 and the movement of stapler 404 will be described later.
  • image forming apparatus 150 further includes: an operating device 166 allowing setting related to the copy function; an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 302 as a non-volatile storage area capable of storing programs and data even when power is cut off; an ROM (Read Only Memory) 306 for storing programs and the like; and an RAM (Random Access Memory) 308 for providing a storage area when a program is executed.
  • an operating device 166 allowing setting related to the copy function
  • an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 302 as a non-volatile storage area capable of storing programs and data even when power is cut off
  • an ROM Read Only Memory
  • RAM Random Access Memory
  • Image forming apparatus 150 further includes a bus 310 connected to document reading unit 152 , image forming unit 154 , post-processing unit 400 , operating device 166 , ROM 306 , HDD 302 and RAM 308 , and a CPU 300 connected to bus 310 , for realizing general functions as the image forming apparatus.
  • ROM 306 stores programs and data necessary for controlling operations of image forming apparatus 150 .
  • CPU 300 controls image forming apparatus 150 in accordance with the programs and data stored in ROM 306 , and executes control related to various functions of image forming apparatus 150 .
  • RAM 308 provides a function of a working memory for temporarily storing results of operations and processes by CPU 300 , and a function of a frame memory for storing image data.
  • Document reading unit 152 image forming unit 154 , a flat, plate-shaped operation panel 170 and display panel 172 of operating device 166 , ROM 306 , HDD 302 and RAM 308 are controlled by CPU 300 executing a prescribed program.
  • Operating device 166 includes: a plate-shaped operation panel 170 arranged on the right side on a surface of operating device 166 , provided with hardware keys including ten keys and various other operation buttons (for example, a start button); and a display panel 172 formed of a small, touch-panel liquid crystal display device, arranged on the central to the left side of operating device 166 . Operation panel 170 and display panel 172 are held in one housing, and operating device 166 is formed integrally to be one piece.
  • state of image forming apparatus 150 and status of job processing are displayed on display panel 172 .
  • selection buttons are displayed on a display area of liquid crystal display of display panel 172 .
  • the pressed position is detected by the touch panel.
  • setting of a function and instruction of an operation of image forming apparatus 150 becomes possible.
  • Such selection buttons are buttons displayed on display panel 172 by software.
  • the program When a user presses a button displayed on display panel 172 , the program detects that a request corresponding to the pressed button is made, and the process corresponding to the request is executed.
  • the touch panel, a display program for displaying buttons and the like on the touch panel, and a program detecting a user operation on the touch panel and interpreting the corresponding request operate together as a detecting device detecting the user's request.
  • the left side of the figure corresponds to the rear end of the feeding direction, and the bundle of recording paper is staple-bound on the rear end side.
  • FIG. 4(A) shows staple positions of two-point binding
  • 4 (B) shows a staple position of depth side one-point binding
  • 4 (C) shows a staple position of depth side diagonal binding
  • 4 (D) shows a staple position of near side one-point binding
  • 4 (E) shows a staple position of near side diagonal binding.
  • the post-processing when punching and stapling processes are both performed, the post-processing is set such that two-point binding of the bundle of recording paper shown in FIG. 4(A) cannot be set, and when a plurality of sets are to be copied, the post-processing is set such that one-point stapling as shown in FIGS. 4(B) and 4(D) is done with stapling position changed set by set.
  • stapler 404 is provided with a moving mechanism. The moving operation of stapler 404 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 .
  • Stapler 404 is moved by a stapler moving motor.
  • the home position is detected by a stapler movement home position sensor.
  • stapler 404 moves to the center of a moving range. The movement takes place regardless of the type of paper discharge, because the type of paper discharge is not yet determined at this time point. If there is a staple instruction issued from CPU 300 by the time when the first sheet reaches post-processing unit 400 , stapler 404 moves to a staple standby position corresponding to the staple position and the size of recording paper.
  • FIGS. 5 to 8 The standby positions of stapler 404 and staple positions (positions of stapling) in accordance with the staple mode (position and number) are shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 .
  • arrows represent the feeding direction of recording paper in staple tray 406 (the direction of drawing to staple tray 406 ).
  • stoppers 410 and 412 and a guide plate 420 are provided to place the recording paper on a prescribed position of staple tray 406 .
  • the front and rear sides of recording paper in FIGS. 4 to 8 are determined on the assumption that, in image forming apparatus 150 , the sheet is discharged with the front side facing upward. There are image forming apparatuses in which the sheet is discharged with the rear side facing upward. Therefore, the front and rear sides of recording sheet may be reversed to that shown in the figures, or the depth side and the near side of recording paper may be reversed to that shown in the figures.
  • FIG. 5 corresponds to the near side diagonal binding shown in FIG. 4(E)
  • FIG. 6 corresponds to near side one-point binding of FIG. 4(D) and depth side one-point binding of FIG. 4(B)
  • FIG. 7 corresponds to the depth side diagonal binding of FIG. 4(C)
  • FIG. 8 corresponds to two-point binding of FIG. 4(A) .
  • stapler 404 waits at the same position as the stapling position. In other words, stapler 404 staples without moving from the standby position.
  • stapler 404 waits at the central position.
  • stapler 404 reciprocates between the standby position and the staple position for each stapling operation.
  • one-point binding shown in FIG. 6 it is possible to change the staple position for each bundle of recording paper in one copy job.
  • stapling is done with staple positions shifted and, therefore, when discharged to discharge tray 168 , staples do not overlap with each other. Recording paper does not rise high at a portion.
  • the number of copies to be stacked on discharge tray 168 is not reduced, and the work efficiency is not lowered.
  • the staples are not at the same position, the staple of recording paper being discharged at present is not caught by the staple of recording paper discharged last time. Therefore, discharge failure can be avoided, and irregular stacking can be avoided.
  • stapler 404 waits at a position deeper than the staple position. At this time, stapler 404 reciprocates between the standby position and the staple position for every staple operation.
  • stapler 404 waits at the staple position on the depth side of recording paper.
  • the order of stapling of two positions is depth side first and near side thereafter. Therefore, after the stapling operation on the depth side, stapler 404 moves to the near side staple position. Specifically, stapler 404 reciprocates between the depth side staple position and the near side staple position for each staple operation.
  • the structure of stapling unit 408 is not limited to the above. Any structure that can staple a bundle of recording paper may be used. Further, the number of stapling is at least one and not specifically limited. Stapling process using one or two staples for binding a bundle of recording paper is common.
  • Image forming apparatus 150 executes a program having the software configuration as described below, to control setting process in post-processing unit 400 .
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a post-processing setting program executed by image forming apparatus 150 .
  • the program is described as a sub-routine. Specifically, the program is executed when post-processing setting (finishing setting) is requested.
  • CPU 300 of image forming apparatus 150 executes, in parallel with such a program, a program for realizing general functions of an image forming apparatus.
  • the program is not directly related to the characterizing part of the present invention and, therefore, details thereof will not be described here.
  • step (hereinafter step will be referred to as S) 1000 CPU 300 of image forming apparatus 150 (hereinafter, simply referred to as CPU 300 ) determines whether or not a finishing menu (post-processing menu) is selected. At this time, if a finish button (a software button displayed on display panel 172 ) of a main menu is pressed by the user, CPU 300 determines that the finishing menu is selected. If the finishing menu is selected (YES at S 1000 ), the process proceeds to S 1010 . Otherwise (NO at S 1000 ), the process ends.
  • a finish button a software button displayed on display panel 172
  • CPU 300 displays the finishing menu on display panel 172 .
  • CPU 300 determines whether or not the stapling process and the punching process are selected.
  • a stapling process button and a punching process button (software buttons displayed on display panel 172 ) are pressed by the user, CPU 300 determines that the stapling process and the punching process are selected.
  • the order of selection of the stapling process and the punching process is not specifically limited. If the stapling process and the punching process are selected (YES at S 1020 ), the process proceeds to S 1030 . Otherwise (NO at S 1020 ), the process ends.
  • CPU 300 determines whether or not two or more sets of copies are to be made. If two or more sets are to be made (YES at S 1030 ), the process proceeds to S 1040 . If the number of sets is one (NO at S 1030 ), the process proceeds to S 1050 .
  • CPU 300 automatically sets the stapling process such that one-point stapling is to be done with the stapling position changed set by set (for every prescribed bundle of recording paper). Thereafter, the process proceeds to S 1060 .
  • CPU 300 automatically sets the stapling process such that one-point stapling is to be done at one fixed position.
  • CPU 300 changes, on the finishing menu, designation of staple binding position to designation of a side in the binding direction.
  • the process of S 1060 may be automatically done with the direction of filing determined automatically based on the size and direction of document as well as the size of recording paper.
  • CPU 300 determines whether or not all designations related to finishing have been complete. If all designations related to finishing are completed (YES at S 1070 ), the process proceeds to S 1080 . Otherwise (NO at S 1070 ), the process returns to S 1010 . If all designations related to finishing are not completed after a prescribed time period, the finishing setting process may be stopped and the process may be terminated.
  • CPU 300 waits for an input of OK button.
  • CPU 300 determines whether or not the OK button is pressed.
  • the OK button of finishing menu software button displayed on display panel 172
  • CPU 300 determines that the OK button is pressed. If the OK button is pressed (YES at S 1090 ), the process ends. Otherwise (NO at S 1090 ), the process returns to S 1080 , and waits until the OK button is pressed. If the OK button is not pressed, after a prescribed time period, the finishing setting process may be stopped and the process may be terminated.
  • image forming apparatus 150 in accordance with the present embodiment based on the structure and flowchart as above will be described with reference to FIG. 10 showing an example of a finishing menu image.
  • the finishing process menu is changed so that not the staple binding position but the side in the binding direction is designated (S 1060 ).
  • the staple position designating button 172 B of FIG. 10 is invalidated, and a button 172 D designating a side in the binding direction is validated.
  • image forming apparatus 150 set in this manner, when the start button is pressed, a copy operation starts. If the stapling and punching processes are selected and one set of copies is to be made, each sheet of recording paper is punched and (1) stapling process is done at the staple position shown in FIG. 5 and near side diagonal stapling is done at one position as shown in FIG. 4(E) , (2) stapling process is done at the staple position shown in FIG. 6 and near side one-point stapling is done as shown in FIG. 4(D) or depth side one-point stapling is done as shown in FIG. 4(B) , or (3) stapling process is done at the staple position shown in FIG. 7 and depth side diagonal stapling is done at one position as shown in FIG. 4(C) .
  • stapling process is done with stapling position shifted bundle by bundle of recording paper.
  • stapling process is done only at one point between the near side staple position shown in FIG. 4(D) and the depth side staple position shown in FIG. 4(B) .
  • the punching and stapling processes are requested, not the two-point stapling but only one-point stapling is set for the bundle of recording paper. If a plurality of sets are to be copied, one-point binding with the staple position shifted set by set is set. As a result, when stapling and punching are both done, wasteful stapling can be reduced from the viewpoint that stapling is only tentative, realizing effective use of resources and energy saving. Further, if a plurality of sets are to be copied, the stapling process is done with staple positions shifted. Therefore, staples are not overlapped. Thus, the number of copies to be stacked on discharge tray 168 is not reduced. Further, since the staples are not caught with each other, discharge failure can be avoided, and irregular stacking can be avoided.
  • Image forming apparatus 150 and post-processing unit 400 ( FIGS. 1 to 8 ) are the same as those of the first embodiment and, therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.
  • Image forming apparatus 150 in accordance with the present embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above in the control structure of the program executed by CPU 300 . Except for this point, reference characters are the same as those of the first embodiment. Structures and functions of the corresponding portions are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a post-processing setting program executed by image forming apparatus 150 , corresponding to the flowchart of FIG. 9 .
  • CPU 300 of image forming apparatus 150 executes, in parallel with such a program, a program realizing general functions of the image forming apparatus, as in the first embodiment described above.
  • the program is not directly related to the characterizing part of the present invention and, therefore, details thereof will not be described here.
  • CPU 300 determines whether or not two-point stapling is selected.
  • the stapling process button and the two-point stapling button (software buttons displayed on display panel 172 ) of the finishing menu are pressed by the user, CPU 300 determines that the two-point stapling is selected. If the two-point stapling is selected (YES at S 2000 ), the process proceeds to S 2010 . Otherwise (NO at S 2000 ), the process ends.
  • CPU 300 determines whether or not the punching process is selected.
  • the punching process button of finishing menu is pressed by the user, CPU 300 determines that the punching process is selected. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the punching process is set after the setting of stapling process. If the punching process is selected (YES at S 2010 ), the process proceeds to S 2020 . Otherwise (NO at S 2010 ), the process ends.
  • CPU 300 automatically changes the two-point stapling selected at S 2000 to the stapling at only one position, and displays the changed contents on display panel 172 .
  • image forming apparatus 150 in accordance with the present embodiment based on the structure and flowchart as above will be described with reference to FIG. 10 showing an example of the finishing menu image. In the following, description of the same operations as those of the first embodiment will not be repeated.
  • the two-point binding button that has been high-lighted to indicate the selected state among the staple position designating buttons 172 B is blacked out and the one-point binding button is high-lighted, and the changed contents are displayed on display panel 172 (S 2020 ).
  • the one-point binding button may be flickered.
  • the staple position may be changed bundle by bundle of recording paper in the present embodiment.
  • the image forming apparatus in accordance with the present embodiment, if the two-point stapling process is set and thereafter the punching process is set, the set two-point stapling process is canceled and stapling at only one position is automatically set, and the change is displayed.
  • wasteful stapling can be reduced from the viewpoint that stapling is only tentative, realizing effective use of resources and energy saving.
  • Image forming apparatus 150 and post-processing unit 400 ( FIGS. 1 to 8 ) are the same as those of the first embodiment above and, therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated here.
  • Image forming apparatus 150 in accordance with the present embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments described above in the control structure of the program executed by CPU 300 . Except for this point, reference characters are the same as those of the first embodiment. Structures and functions of the corresponding portions are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.
  • FIG. 12 is a flowchart representing a control structure of a post-processing setting program executed by image forming apparatus 150 , corresponding to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 9 and 11 .
  • CPU 300 of image forming apparatus 150 executes, in parallel with such a program, a program for realizing general functions of an image forming apparatus.
  • the program is not directly related to the characterizing part of the present invention and, therefore, details thereof will not be described here.
  • CPU 300 determines whether or not the punching process is selected.
  • CPU 300 determines that the punching process is selected. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the punching process is set before setting the stapling process. If the punching process is selected (YES at S 3000 ), the process proceeds to S 3010 . Otherwise (NO at S 3000 ), the process ends.
  • CPU 300 changes the finishing menu to allow selection only of the one-point stapling (not to allow two-point stapling).
  • image forming apparatus 150 in accordance with the present embodiment based on the structure and flowchart as above will be described with reference to FIG. 10 showing an example of a finishing menu image.
  • punching process button 172 C is pressed (YES at S 3000 )
  • the finishing menu is changed to allow only the one-point stapling (S 3010 ).
  • the finishing menu is changed not to allow selection of the two-point stapling, as regards the positions of stapling (S 3010 ).
  • the two-point stapling button among position designating buttons 172 B is invalidated, and the one-point stapling button is validated.
  • the staple position may be changed bundle by bundle of recording paper in the present embodiment.
  • the two-point stapling cannot be set.
  • wasteful stapling can be reduced from the viewpoint that stapling is only tentative, realizing effective use of resources and energy saving.
  • both ends of the staple are bent on the rear surface side of the paper as shown in FIG. 13(D) .
  • the portions to be bent may be cut off, as shown in FIG. 13(A) .
  • the staple can be easily removed at the time of filing, while the bundle of recording paper can be prevented from going apart until filing.
  • a mechanism for cutting the staple has been conventionally provided in the post-processing apparatus and, therefore, such an approach does not lead to any increased cost.
  • the portion to be bent may be cut off only at one side of the staple, as shown in FIG. 13(B) .
  • One side of the staple may be positioned to pass through the punched hole, as shown in FIG. 13(C) . Then, the staple can be easily removed at the time of filing, while the bundle of recording paper can be prevented from going apart until filing.
  • a mechanism for moving the stapler has been conventionally provided in the post-processing apparatus as described above and, therefore, such an approach does not lead to any increased cost. These modifications may appropriately be combined.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)
  • Control Or Security For Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Accessory Devices And Overall Control Thereof (AREA)
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JP2015168234A (ja) * 2014-03-10 2015-09-28 キヤノン株式会社 シート処理装置、情報処理装置及びその制御方法とプログラム
JP2017193416A (ja) * 2016-04-21 2017-10-26 株式会社東芝 シート後処理装置
JP6805648B2 (ja) * 2016-09-01 2020-12-23 コニカミノルタ株式会社 後処理装置及び画像形成システム
CN108556492B (zh) * 2018-01-23 2020-01-10 北京小米移动软件有限公司 文档装订处理方法及装置
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CN101907844B (zh) 2013-03-20

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